RALEIGH — Many commuters welcomed theopening of Interstate 540 to Leesville Roadlast December. But in just eight months, one person has died, and several others have been seriously injured in accidents at the intersection.

TheN.C. Department of Transportationand Raleigh police say along with themotorcyclist who died at the intersectionin February, at least four accidents have left several people with serious injuries.

They say drivers are to blame for most accidents. Motorists who are in a hurry often ignore the stoplight's change from a left-turn arrow to solid green.

DOT officials say relief is on the way. When the next section of I-540 opens later this year to Highway 50, it should ease the congestion at the Leesville intersection.

The problem may get worse before it gets better. A new shopping center is planned around the corner from Leesville at I-540. DOT engineers say they will soon put up warning signs to alert drivers to yield when they do not have a green arrow.

Engineers also plan to put red flags around the signs to draw more attention.